Pilot plant operation of the Uranium Chip Oxidation Facility at the Y-12 Plant
Due to changing environmental regulations, the current practice of depleted uranium chip (machine turning) disposal via shallow land burial has become environmentally objectionable. The chips are pyrophoric and oxidize rapidly when exposed to air; therefore, long-term storage of the uranium chips presents a major fire hazard. The Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant Development Division was contacted to devise a disposal method that would eliminate chip burial and minimize storage space requirements. The proposed method of accomplishing this task was oxidizing the uranium chips to uranium oxide (U/sub 3/O/sub 8/) under controlled conditions. Pilot plant operation of the Uranium Chip Oxidation Facility (UCOF) was initiated on May 20, 1985, by the Y-12 Development Division. The purpose of this initial development testing was to evaluate the equipment, determine operating parameters, and provide on-the-job training for Waste Treatment Operations (WTO) personnel. Startup of the UCOF began with the check-out of the equipment using only the No. 1 oxidizer. Following the verification stage, the oxidizer was loaded with an initial charge of cold uranium oxide (U/sub 3/O/sub 8/) in preparation for test burning. Results of the test are given.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OS21400
- OSTI ID:
- 7000507
- Report Number(s):
- Y/TS-203; CONF-870245-1; ON: DE87005377
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Oak Ridge model conference, Oak Ridge, TN, USA, 3 Feb 1987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Y-12 Development Division technical progress report, period ending January 1, 1990
Removal of liquids from uranium chips
Related Subjects
DEPLETED URANIUM
OXIDATION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
PILOT PLANTS
Y-12 PLANT
ACTINIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ELEMENTS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
METALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
URANIUM
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
052001* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Processing